Reuben Kaye - Apocalipstik

Welcome back Reuben, we have missed you. Now the Fringe can really begin!!!

Reuben Kaye returns to Adelaide with his new show Reuben Kaye – Apocalipstik, an eighty-minute show giving us a sneak peek into his childhood, his parents, grandparents and queer uncle.

Strutting the stage like a regal peacock, dressed in a black jumpsuit, a black cape, heels,  and a mike with a long black horse’s tail he works the audience with his queer humour, bawdy jokes, and sexual references aplenty.  But behind the makeup, lipstick and luscious lashes lies cutting satire and an incredible intellect.

He is a supreme storyteller. This show features stories of his mother, his grandfather and his Uncle Helmut; bank robber, pornographer, and natural musician. In fact, after uncle Helmut’s suicide, his pornographic videos found at his house became the catalyst for this show.

Kaye is mercurial. He can change the entire  mood of the audience with a single look or word. One minute we are laughing, and the next the atmosphere is silent as Reuben delves deep and invites us to consider some of the more serious problems of the world.

His voice hits the heights with a powerful chest or a crystal clear head voice. He can belt out a lyric or pull right back and reveal the vulnerability of the man behind the glitter either on the stage or draped on an audience member’s lap.  Kaye paces the show beautifully, particularly the section concerning his gay uncle Helmet and and his effect on his life.

I particularly enjoyed Kaye’s “Let’s go shopping” moment. He disappears and returns with and immense black shimmering coat-dress and a shiny breastplate, every inch the superstar!

In a first ever, Kaye’s four-piece band punch out original music and lyrics. To complete the theatre experience he also uses an Auslan translator at the side of the stage who endeavours to try and keep up with his ad libs.

Reuben Kaye – Apocalipstik is eighty minutes of hilarity, fun, and most of all a chance to be in the presence of a Master of his art. It is an unforgettable experience!

Barry Hill OAM

To check out our round-up of Adelaide Fringe reviews, click here.